I think of the Chinese New Year as another crack at New Year's resolutions for those who procrastinate. This includes all of us because, after all, we all put something off. Though we've paid the bills, got enough insurance, fed the kids and bought the groceries, we may not have kept in touch with all of our friends, stuck to the best diet, become as fit as we can be and exhausted our bucket list. There's always something we should or want to do.
Of course, some are better at putting things off than others. Married men tend to have longer procrastination lists. That's not because they are any less organized or capable than anyone else. When someone else is adding extra duties to your to-do list, it's harder to take ownership and commit to those extra tasks. That's not unlike the fate of many "doctors' orders." When we set goals that a patient doesn't embrace, we shouldn't expect them to achieve them. What would you do if someone who doesn't live in your home tells you to lose a few inches, exercise more, take some new pills and give up your favourite pleasures?
Some of us don't bother with either resolutions or goals. We go about our days and do what absolutely has to be done-sometimes at the last minute, sometimes too late-and leave the rest for later (or someone else).
Some of us set goals. Sometimes we start off great but get sidelined by unexpected obstacles. A few have been successful at meeting many of the goals they have set. The first two keys to their success are (1) Motivation. They chose the right goals for themselves-what they cared about; (2) Planning . They achieved a number of incremental goals. You can't get to the peak of the mountain in one giant leap. Each step will bring you closer, and each step closer increases your confidence and sense of achievement.
Before you set any kind of goal, consider first your deepest values and your calling-the intersection of your talents, your passions and the needs of your world. The young parents' calling is to nurture their children. They don't have time to write novels or complete an MBA.
Break down your megagoal into smaller achievable goals that once achieved boost your confidence to attack the next goal. Be prepared for obstacles and detours but don't give up. Be flexible with your goals. When the unexpected happens, you may have to change your strategy mid-game. That's all part of the art of living.
The third key to success is (3) Support. To make it to the finish line, we need trailblazers (the mentors, trainers and health care professionals who help pave the way for us); we need our fans (our friends and family at home and at work to support and cheer us on); and teammates (travelling companions on the same path). They are like members of a cycling team streamlining, taking turns at the lead to pull the others ahead.
Change is inevitable so we all ought to be agents for positive change. Focus on your values, set your goals and achieve your positive potential.
Dr. Davidicus Wong is a physician and writer. You can find more tips on achieving your goals at facebook.com/davidicus.wong.
